Skiing in the Pyrénées-Orientales
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, skiers in the Pyrenees Orientales will often enjoy warm winter sunshine as they’re gliding down the slopes towards their Solaire d’Odeillo dinner!
The ski season
The official opening of the majority of ski resorts in the PO is usually around the first weekend of December, the 6th being Le Saint Nicholas and the 8th being l’Immaculée Conception , both of which are festival days and bank holidays in Spain.
Over that weekend, the Spanish often ‘font le pont’ – make a long weekend of it – and the ski season gets off to a festive beginning.
The’ Neiges Catalanes‘, is a network of nine stations all within easy reach of Perpignan (90 minute drive). One single ski pass will allow you access to all.
Font-Romeu / Pyrénées 2000 (alt : 1800m)
- 43km downhill pistes: 16 green, 10 blue, 7 red, 9 black
- 111km cross country skiing trails
- Olympic training facilities
- Family focussed
- Tourist Office
Developed as a ski resort as early as 1921, the linked ski area of Font-Romeu and Pyrénées 2000 is the largest artificially snow covered ski-area in Europe with ski runs to suit all levels and the biggest snow making machine in the Pyrenees.
Originally nothing but a small cluster of chalets, Font Romeu flourished as a result of the arrival of the Petit Train Jaune in 1908, followed in 1911 by the building of the fashionable and luxurious Grand hotel, frequented by royalty and the rich and famous from all over the world during the 1920s and 30s.
Worth visiting amongst other things, is the Chapelle de l’Ermitage built in the 17th century on the site of a fountain (hence the name Font Romeu – the pilgrim’s fountain) and Le Grand Hotel itself. Also in this area is the Four Solaire d’Odeillo, the biggest solar furnace in the world, so if you see any strange constructions in the country side, don’t worry – the aliens haven’t landed yet!
There are also numerous superb marked hiking trails taking in some fantastic countryside to explore. Follow the trail through the forest from Font Romeu to the pretty village of Egat, a thirty minute walk culminating in views to take your breath away.
Les Angles (1600 – 2400m)
- 55km downhill: 14 green, 9 blue, 14 red, 8 black
- 36km cross country trails
- Snowpark
- Luge
- Spa, sauna & beauty facilities
- Tourist Office
This pretty alpine village, huddled around the church of St Michel, and the remains of the XIII century chateau, overlooks a glistening Lake Matmale and offers attractive old houses, gites, and restaurants, combined with the modern buildings and equipment of an exciting ski centre.
Possible whatever the weather thanks to a battery of snow canons, there is a great snow park and downhill and cross country pistes catering for all levels in the only resort in the Pyrenees where the ski slopes descend through the pine forests into the old village itself.
There are two restaurants on the slopes, warm and welcoming, and a “Salle de Grillade” at the top of the télécabine where you can leave your own barbecue meat at the start of your skiing day and arrive to have it grilled and served for you at lunch-time!
If skiing’s not your thing, why not visit the ‘parc animalier des Angles’, Children will love it. The animals live in very large enclosures and the visit takes about 1h30. You can see wolves, bison, marmots, bear, elk, reindeer, mountain goats and many other animals that you would not normally see in a zoo.
Formiguères
- 3 green, 6 blue, 9 red, 1 black
- Safe & family-oriented
- Conveyor belt for beginners
- Tourist Office
The pretty little village of Formiguères, historic Capital of the Capcir, lies in the heart of the Parc Naturel, Five kms north of Les Angles on the D118.
Safe and family-friendly ski resort in winter, it is equally worth visiting all year round. Once the snow has melted, the mountain meadows are bathed in autumn crocus, gentians, lilies of the Pyrénées and rainbows of high mountain flowers. Near the ski station a flute playing Spanish shepherd guards his flock and cattle graze the rich pastures. It is farming country and the farmers’ wives are proud to show you the farms and allow you to taste their wares.
Porté Puymorens (1600-2500m)
- 45km downhill: 12 green, 6 blue, 9 red, 7 black
- 20km cross country trails
- 15min drive from Andorra
- Vast snow park
- Tourist Office
Situated in the Cerdagne area of the Pyrénées Orientales, in ‘la vallée du Carol’ Porté Puymorens is just a fifteen minute drive from Pas de la Case, tax free ‘haven’ and purpose built border town between France and Andorra.
There is ample skiing for beginners and intermediates with a vast snow park 600m long with tables, slide etc and a half pipe 100m long for the snow boarders. Porté is very much a ‘one hoss’ village, with limited accommodation and facilities although there is everything you need for a good day’s skiing.
More about Porté-Puymorens
Cambre d’Aze
- 35km downhill (7 green 8 blue, 5 red, 3 black)
- 5km cross country trails
- Nearest resort to Perpignan
- Views of the Med!
St Pierre dels Forcats (linked to Eyne) is the first resort on the way up the mountain from Perpignan & nestles at the foot of the impressive glacial cirque of Cambre d’Aze. Good for beginners and families.
Other resorts
La Quillane – family resort perfect for first timers or nervous beginners (3 greens, 1 blue)
Cerdagne Puigmal – highest resort in the Pyrénées with challenging black runs (5 green, 5 blue, 14 red, 6 black)
Puyvalador – beginner and family friendly with ice rink and sledge piste (2 green, 1 blue, 1 red)
Before leaving, consult
…the weather forecast (P-O): tel: 3250
…road conditions (P-O): 04 68 38 12 05 / website
Car security in snow
Don’t forget your snow chains or snow tyres. The ‘gendarmes’ will prevent you from continuing and very likely fine you if you do not have suitable security for the snow. If you have snow chains, put them on as soon as you see the signs.
